Validus Preparatory Academy

40°50′24″N 73°54′06″W / 40.839906°N 73.901699°W / 40.839906; -73.901699InformationMotto"Strong Mind. Strong Body."Established2005School districtNew York City Geographic District # 9School numberX263PrincipalChristopher HibbertTeaching staff20.0 (as of 2007–08)^[1]Grades9–12Enrollment336 (as of 2007–08)^[1]Student to teacher ratio16.8 (as of 2007–08)^[1]Color(s)Black, Purple, GrayAthleticsBaseball, JV Baseball, Softball, Cross Country, WrestlingMascotBathgate BulldogsNicknameVPATeam nameBathgate BulldogsWebsitehttp://www.validusprep.org/

Validus Preparatory Academy is a small public high school in the south Bronx, New York. Founded in 2005, Validus currently^[when?] enrolls 432 students in grades 9–12.

History

Validus Prep was initially supported through a Gates Foundation grant to partner with New York City Outward Bound to create small learning communities in New York City.

Campus

The campus houses its own municipal purpose center, library and all classes are centered around a glass atrium in the main hall.

Curriculum

The school follows the state curriculum, incorporating curriculum from Expeditionary learning schools Expeditionary Learning Schools Outward Bound. The curriculum is very challenging and contains leadership classes to enhance students leadership potential. Validus students were featured in an MSNBC video speaking about the challenges of a presidential election.^[2]

Extracurricular activities

All ninth graders attend a week-long Outward Bound experience in the fall at Sharpe Reservation at Harriman State Park to build character, teamwork and leadership skills. All Students in Validus are put in groups of 10-15 student groups called crews; Crews are headed by Validus teachers who act as personal guidance counselors. All Crews are involved in a crew challenge called crew Olympics where they compete against one another to become Crew Champions.

References

External links

• Validus Preparatory Academy
• Validus Preparatory Academy: An Expeditionary Learning School - X263 - New York City Department of Education